Check-perforating machine



Oct. 30, 1928.

J. H. DAVIS CHECK PERFORATING MACHINE Filed Feb. 1, 1927 3 Sheets-Sheet1 00 CO0 O0 000 O0 000 O0 COO 0000 OOOOOOOO Oct. 30, 1928.

J. H. DAVIS CHECK PERFORATING MACHINE File d Feb. 1, 1927 3 Sheets-Sheet3 3 I WW E M n z Patented Oct. 30, 1928.

UNITED :STATES- v 1,689,995 PATENT OFFICE.)

JOHN avis, oFoHIcAeo, IL'LINoIs, ASSIGNOR TO ormanns OLHADLY, or

PHILADELPHIA,

PENNSYLVANIA.

cnncxarnnronn'rme MACHINE.

Application filed February 1, 1927. Serial No. 165,108.

This invention relates to check perforating machines and the principalobject of the invention is to provide a novel check-perforating machineprovided with a plurality of parallel rows of movable tapes, each tapecarrying a plurality of lettered plungers for operating perforatingpunches vertically reciprocabl mounted in the frame to perforate acheckpliiced in the machine, the tapes being collectively orindividually. movable to shift the lettered plungers, whereby thelocation of the perforationsin the check for each set-- tin of thetapeswill differ.

the tapes; means for locking and unlocking the taperollers from thesetting drum; and means for clamping the check blank in the machineprior to erforating same. 2o. Other minor obJects of the invention willbehereinafterset forth. Y

Iwill explain the invention with refer- Ience to the accompanyingdrawings which illustrate one practical embodiment thereof .15

summarize in the'claims the essentials of the invention, the novelfeatures of construction, and the novel combinations of parts, for whichprotection is desired. i In the drawings: I

Fig. 1 is a top plan view of the machine. F ig; 2 is aside elevationthereof. Fig. 3is a section on the line 3+3,Fig. 1. Fig. 4 is a detailof the stationary plunger-s for perforatingthecheck. i

' Fig; dis a detailof'a modified form of tape. i Fig. '6is an enlargedplan view showing adjusting the tapes. s a sectionjon the line of thetapes. Fig. 10 shows a with the one particular setting of the tapes,bywhich the check when superimposed thereon may be verified. i

I i As shown in the f-drawings my novel'machinecomprises a base1,"having a recess 1 in its upper face adapted to receive a plate 2,said recess being slightly deeper thanthe thickness of plate 2. Abovebase 1 isa plate 3,. fixedly mounted uponthe base 1 at the ther objectsof the invention are to pro- 15 vide novel means for individually adust1ng to enable others to adopt the same; and will and3. thefmechanismsforcollectively and indi Sis a sectionon the line 8-8, Fig. 6. Fig.9shows a check filled out and perforated by the machine for oneparticular setting key board corresponding ends thereof; and above theplate as a plate.

4, covering the entire area of. plate 3, but preferably spacedtherefromias shown in Fig. 3. Plates2, 8, and 4 are provided with groupsof registering bores or perforations 2, 3 and 4 as hereinafter setforth, for: the

reception of check perforatingpunches hereinafter described.

a In each corner of recessl is a post 1 having its ends fixed in theplates 1 and 3, said posts slidably engaging. perforations in thecorners of plate 2, to prevent removal of plate 2 from the machine whilepermitting plate 2 to be raised and lowered in the recess 1 In base 1,below plate 2,'is mounted a shaft 1 carrying camsl whereby whenthe shaft'1 is rocked by turning knob lithe plate 2 will be raised so that itsupper face is brought into contact with the lower face of plate 3 toclamp the blank check C between plates 2 and 3.

Plates 2, 3 and 4 at therear endof the machine are provided with twosubstantial semi-circular recesses 4', which expose the underlying upperportion ofthe movable plate 2, said recesses facilitating the-entry andremoval of the blank check C (Fig. 9)

into and out of the machine, which check C is inserted from the rear endof the machinebetween suitable guides (not shown) between the plates?and 3, while plate 2 is in lowered position. The outer edge of check '0may be adjusted to a base line 2 marked upon the exposed portion of theupper face position in the machine between plates 2 The registeringbores or perforations in Y the; plates 2, 8, and 4 are grouped asfollows (see 10) the groupsall lying within the area of the check C whensame is-inserted in punching position in the machine.

At the front end .of'the machine islagroup 1! consisting of fourparallel rows of aligned bores adapted to extendacross the full widthofeheck C at the bottom thereof, therebe- ,ing twenty-sixsuchregistering bores in each row, corresponding to the number of let- .tersin the alphabet, each registering bore carrying av check perforatingpunch hereinof plate 2," whereby a number of checksC, may :besuccessively centered in the machine, each check successivelyoccupyingthe same after described; and shifting or movable- I operating plungersmountcd on tapes are 4 punches. V v e In rearot-group is mgroupfllot regprovided abovefplate {t for. depressingsaid *t-ions on each side of thefirst August. 20th. 19%.

istering perforations, said group being disposed at approximately thecenter of checle.

ures the amount to be paid on the check,

which as shown in Fig. 9 is SELlGSLTF), and the two rows ot'bores at theright hand end of group B may he used to denote cents.

Above group A, at the left hand side of the check C is a group 1)consisting of a row of nine aligned bores with a second bore-besidethehrst, second; and last here of such row; the l'iCYfOlllClOliS(ifgroup D are used todenote the day of the month on which the eheclrwasmade, which as shown in Fig. 9 isthe 20th day.

At the opposite end ot'check .C is a group Echnsisting of two row: ofaligned bores, each row containing six bores said group E being used todenote the number of letters in the name of the maker of the check,which as shown inFig. 9 is eighteen;

Between groups B and E, at the upper endot' check 'C is a group F ofthree rows oi aligned bores, each row hevin :t'our bores, and group Ibeing used to d enote the month in which the check was drawn which asshown'in Fig. 2) is the eighth month.

Below group F'is a group G consisting of two rows of alignet hores, eachrow containing live bor and in addition perforahores in each row, saidgroup G being used to denote the number oi? letters in the name of thepayee of the check, which as shown in Fig. 9 is fifteen.

As shown in Fig. 9 the check C has marked thereon the name of the payeeJohn Boyce Newman; also thean'lount of the cheek 5:51:46935: also thename at the maker Daniel Weston Hewitt; and the date of the check Thelocation oi the perforations in the check denote in group A the initialsof the payee and maker of the check: in group B the amount'ot the check;in group D the day of the month on which the check was made: in group Fthe month in which the check was drawn; group E the number of letters inthe name of the makeroi the check; group G the number of letters in thename of the payee. The check may contain consecutively numbered blocksfor writing in the names of the payee and maker so that. the number ofletters in their names may be readily seen at a glance.

In each of the bores of groups B, D. E. F, G is placed a perforatingdisk 5 (Fig. 4:) above plate 2,.said disk 5 having a stem 5 extendingabove the plate at, said stem Wharin g a collar 5" thereon engaging theperforation in plate 4. A spring 5 is interposed between the collar :3and a washer plate 3 immediatcly above the plate 3, said spring normallyurging the stem 5 upwardly. Upon the top of stem 5 is a head 5" having afigure such as 1, 2, Z etc. marked upon its up per face. By depressinghead 5" disk 5 will perforate the. check C interposed between plates 2and 3 of the machine.

The heads 5" of the plunger-.5 in the various groups are marked asfollows, (see Fig.

1.0):-Thc horizontal rows of heads 5" in group I3 reading from the topdownward are marked (5, 7. 3, 9 1. 5.4, 3, 2. respectively.

In group D the horizontal. rows are marked 11, 22, 3, t, (i, 7, 8,respectively. In group E the heads in the horizontal rows are marked 12.12, 34;, 56. 78:. 90 respectively. In group F the heads in thehoriztmtal rows are marked 1, 4, .7. 10; 2, 5, 8, 11; 3. (3,9. 12,respectively; and in group (i the heads in the horizontal rows aremarked 1; 1. Fl, 5', 7, 9; 2. 4:. 6, 8, O 2 respectively.

For groups B, D, ID, F, Gathe respective positions of the perforationsare fixed and the same perforations in every check indicate the samefigure. For group A, however, the perforations for the same letters varyaccording to the setting of: the tapes (3 hereinafter described.

In the bores of group A are perforating disks 7 (Fig. 3) similar todisks 5, and having their lower ends adapted for cutting perforations inthe check C when the check is interposed between the plates 2 and I) andthe disks depressed; Disks 7 y are provided with rods 7 which extend.above the upper face of plate 3, the rods 7 passing through perforationsina washer plate 3* mounted immediately above the topot plate 3 Topplate L fixedly mounted upon the top'ot plate 3' is also, provided with'ierlorations 4 corresponding in spacing with that of the hores inplate: On the upper end o t' rods 7 are heads 7" which trial a slidinglit in the perforations 4; of plate 4. and the rods 7" arr normally heldinuraiscd position with their heads 7 sul'istantiially flush with thesurface of plate 4. by means of spring 7 intin'potmd between the heads 7and, the washer plate 3".

At each end of the machine adjacent one edge thereoi are mounted drums 8and 9 aroundv which run the tapes 6 which carry the plungers fordepressing perforating disks 7. Four such tapes 6 are shown. but more orless tapes may he used. Drums 8 for each tape atone end of the machineare merely idler drums; the. drmn 9 at the other end of the machine ismounted on a shartt fl" which extends through thefront face of thecasing and is provided with a knob hv which the drum 1118 be rotated tocollectively adjust the tapes 6 with respect to the heads 7" of disks 7.Upon drum 9 asshown in Figs. 7 and 8 are four tape collars 9 which arenormally keyed to the drum 9 by means oi pins 9 wherel'iy rotation ofthe drum 9 will also sinndtanc till ion

llt)

ously rotate the collars 9. Mounted upon the shaft 9* of drum 91s a dial9which is pro vided with thirty-one divisions or graduations which maybe consecutively numbered, but are preferably numbered as follows: 1, 6,11, 2, 5, 10, 4, 8, 3,7, 9, 16, 20, 15, 18, 13, 17, 14, 19, 12, 21,2c,2; 2s, 22, 27, 23, 30, 29, 25, and 31, azero point 1 being marked onthe front face of the casing adjacent the dial. Tapes 6 are preferablyendless steel tapes which are perforated and drawn as at 6 (Fig.

3) and each tapehas at leasttwenty-six such erforations; theperforations 6 'correspondmg in spacing with the bores in theplates 2.and 3, and the perforations 6 in the tapes 6 being adapted toregistcrwith the said bores of group {A whenthetapes are in adjusted position.In the bores 6 of tapes 6 are n'1ount-, ed plungers 6" having heads 6 ontheir up perf ends, the plungers being normally heldin raised positionby means of springs 6 interposed between theheads 6 and thetapesG. Theplungers 6" being thereby movable with the tapes. On the head 6 ofeachplunger is stamped or impressed one letter of the alphabet. As shownin Figural the lettering for each row of the tapes 6 is different, forinstance, the lettering ofthe inner row commences with G, that of thenext row with the letter(), the third row with the letter T and theouterrow with the letter S.

Hence when the tapes 6 are adjusted so that plungers 6 directly overlietheheads 7 of plungers 7, and when the heads 6 are deadjacent the drumQfsaid lock 10 having a pressed the plungers 7 will likewise bodepressedand a corresponding perforation punched in the check C- As shown in Fig;1 the dial 9 is set so that the code word S A F E, corresponding withthe 20th day "of 'themonth (see setting of dial 9) appearsopposite thearrowtl on the casing ofthev machinei Each day of the month anew systemor combination of code words is desired, and hence it necessary to shiftthe tapes .6 by manipulating the knob 9 so that dial 9 ,will'read theparticular day of the month thereby'moving all of the tapes in the samedirection to bring the new code word opposite the arrow In order,however, to provideadditional variations in the code word, means areprovided whereby thetapes may be operated independently insteadjofsimultaneously or collectively.

As shown in Figs; 6,7, and 8, [a depressible lock 10 is mounted on thetopof the machine ybolt 10 adapted to enter into slots 1 or 1 (Fig. 8)in the side of the machine, and said lock 10 being normally held inraised position by means of a spring 10h] Extending through drum 9 is anaxially movable rod I 10 having pairs of spaced collars 10 thereonadjacent each tape collar 9. In the .bore of' drum are pivo'tallymounted bell crank levers l0 having their legs bifurcated, one

brought opposite the leg engaging rod. 10 between' its respective pairof spaced collars 10, andtheother leg engaging spaced collars 9" on itsrespective pin 9 which locks collar 9 to drum 9. By inserting a key inthelock 10the bolt 10 may be withdrawn from the upper slot 1 andinserted in the lower slot 1 By lowering the lock 10 an axial movementis imparted to the rod 10 by means of a lever 10 engaging a slot 10 inlock 10, said lever being mounted on a shaft 10 1 A second lever 10 onshaft 1O having an opening 10 therein for the passage of rod 10 engagesbetween spaced collars 10,

10 011 rod 10 whereby as the lock 10 is lowered the rod 10 will be movedand will actuate the bell crank levers 10 to withdraw pins 9 out ofengagement with the collars 9.-

In such position the collars 9 maybe rotated by hand or by suitableadjusting devices hereinafter described. 1

. In the base below and parallel with the drum 9 is a rocker shaft 11,carrying apair of C-shaped arms 11 which are keyed thereto and inthearms 11 are mounted. shafts 11 (fourbeing shown) which lie adjacent theperiphery of the collars 9. Each shaft 11 carries a roller 11 which isadapted to frictionally engage a cog 9 on its respective collar 9 whenthe arms 11? are rocked to bring the same into engagement rollers 11 aseriesof perforations 6- which. engage teeth 9 on the periphery ofcollars 9 so that the movement of the tapes 6 willbe positivewithiespect to the movement of the collars 19. Fig. 5 shows another formof tape 6 witlr which plungers are not necessary, the letters of the.alphabet being marked beside holes operate the perforating disks throughsuch holes. Shaft 11. isprovided with an arm 11 projecting in theopposite direction from .in the tape, and a sharpinstrument used to thearms 11 which lever 11 underlies a i pivoted lever 12 which is depressedthrougl'l suitable link mechanism 12, 12 and bell crank 12 bythedepression of the lock 10 simultaneously with the withdrawal of the pins9* from the collars 9, 1

By adjusting the'knobs 11 when lock 10 is depressed any desiredcombination of letters to form any codeword of four letters can be 7arrow. 1 on the upper face of the casing.

It can be easily checks according to some: secret code known luv uunderstood that unless all banksusin these machines were able to issueonly to themselves which checks can be readily verified by any bankbelonging to the same group (viz, the American Bankers Association) amachine mightbe purchased from the manirl'acturers by anyone and checksfraudulently issued thereon. To elin'iinate this danger a code word isselected by the head of the association of bamks and comn'iunicated toall banks using these machines with instructions that until furthernotice the code word. viz SAFE is to be used. and that all machines usedby all the banks in the association are to be set so that the lettersS-A-F-E read downwardly in vertical alignment opposite the arrow i on.for instance, the twentieth day of the month. (See .l and 10.) After themachines are to set a different combination o'li letters will appearopposite the arrow 1 tor .ICli day oi the month as the dial 5) is turnedeach day to bring the particular day of the month opposite arrow 1".

In operation the blank check is placed in the machine between plates 2and l and cams 1 rotated to lock the check between said plates. The dial9 is then rotated to bring the day of the month (viz. 20th) oppositearrow 1-. The plungers of the various groups are then depressed toperforate the check: the three inner tapes 6 being used to denote theinitials of the payee. and the outer tape (3 being used to denote theinitials of the maker In reading the check a keyboard (Fig. 10) is usedbased on the code word S A F E for the twentieth day of the month andthe location of the perforations in group A. would give the desiredinitials. Obviously it a keyboard based on any other code word were usedin reading the check the initials displayed in group A would notcorrespond with those on the actual check. and payment on the checkwould be refused.

I do not limit my invention to the exact lorm shown in the drawings. forobviously changes may be made therein within the scope of the appendedclaims.

I claim:

1. In a check perforating machine. a plurality of perforating disks andamovaljile endless tape carrying keys for operating said disks.

2. In a check perforating machine. a plurality of pertorating'disks; a,plurality of operators for said disks; and means i or shiftine: theoperators com prising a. pair of drums endless bands carrying theoperators and adapted to run around said drums; and means for rotatingone of said drums.

3. In a check perforating machine, a plurality ol perforating disks; aplurality of operators for said disks; means "for collecti vely shiftingthe operators; and means for individually shifting the operators.

4. In a machine as set forth in claim 3, said means for collectivelyshifting the operators comprising a pair of drums, endless bandscarrying the operators and adapted to run around said drums; and meansfor rotating one of said drums to shift the bands.

In a check perforating macl'iine. a plurality of rows of reciprocableperforating disks; a row of operators for each row of disks: means forcollectively shifting the rows oi operators; and means for imlividuallyE-i it'ting the rows of operators.

(3. in a machine as set forth in claim 5, said individual shilling meanscomprising a pair of drums for each row. endless bands each having onerun adapted to overlie a row of said it and carrying the operators. saidbands icing adapted to run around said drums; and means for rotating onedrum of each pair.

7. In a. check perforating machine, a plurality of rows reciprocablcperforating disks a row of operators tor each row of disks; means forcollectively shifting the rows of operators; means for individuallyshittingthe rows of operators; and means for discn gaging one of saidmeans when the other is in action.

2:. In a check perforating machine; a row oi perforating disks; drumsmounted opposite the ends of said row; a flexible band running aroundthe drums and having, one run overlying the disks; a plurality of op-:r: "ors for depressing said disks carried by said band; and means forrotating one of said drums.

9. In a check perforating machine; a plurality of rows of perforatingdisks; pairs of drums mounted in the machine opposite the ends of eachrow; flexible bands running around each pair of drums each having onerun overlying a row of disks; a plurality of operators for depressingsaid disks carried by each ban d; and means for collectively andindividually shitting-said bands.

10. In a check perforating machine as set forth in claim 9; said meanscomprising a. cylinder adapted to be rotated, the drums at one end ofthe machine being rotatably mounted on said cylinr ler; radially movablebolts in the cylii'uler adapted when projecting to lock the drums to thecylinder; and means for simultaneously actuating said bolts.

11. In a check perforating niachiiur; a plurality of rows ofperforating: disks; a rotatable cylinder mounted in the frame at one endof the rows; drums mounted opposite the ends of each row: the drumsatthc cylinder end of the machine being rotatably mounted on saidcylinder; endless bands adapted to run around each pair o l' drums:

a plurality oi plungersfor de nessing said disks carried by each band;movable bolts in the cylinder adapted when projected to lock the drumsto the cylinder; and means for sln'iultanei'nisly actuating the bolts.

12. In a check perforating machine. as net.

llltl forth in claim 11, said bolt actuating means comprising a lockmember reciprocably mountedin the frame; a rod axially movable in saidcylinder; bell-crank levers mounted in the cylinder each having one legengaged with abolt and the other leg engaged with the rod; and linkconnections be tween the lock member and rod whereby when the lockmember is depressed the bolts will be retracted.

13. In a check perforating machine; a plu-i rality of rows ofperforating disks; a rotatable cylinder mounted in the frame at one endcylinder adapted when projected to lock the drums to the cylinder; meansfor simultaneously actuatingthe bolts; and means operated by the boltactuating means whereby when the bolts are retracted the individualdrumsmay be rotated on the cylinder.

14. In a check perforating machine as set forth in claim 13, said boltactuating means comprislng a look member reciprocably v mounted in theframe; a rod axially movable in said cylinder; bell-crank levers mountedin the cylinder each having one leg engaged with a bolt and the otherleg engaged with the rod; and link connections between the lock memberand rod whereby when the lock memher is in one position the bolts willbe projected, and when the member is in the other rotating the drumscomprising a rocker shaft position the bolts will be retracted. V

15. In a check perforating machine as set forth in claim 13, said meansfor individually parallel with the cylinder; link connections forrocking the shaft by and with the bolt actuating means; arcuate armscarried by said shaft; a plurality of spindles carried by said arms;each spindle having .a disk thereon adapted when the arms are rocked tocontact with the respective drum on said cylinder; and knobs on saidspindles.

16. In a check perforating machine; a plurality of rows of perforatingdisks;'a rotatable cylinder mounted in the frame at one end of the rows;drums mounted opposite the ends of each row; the drums at the cylinderend of the machine being rotatably mounted on said cylinder; endlessbands adapted to run around each pair of drums; a pluralityof plunger-son each hand for depressing said disks; radially movable bolts in thecylinder.

adapted when projected to lock the drums to the cylinder; a lock memberreciprocably mounted in the frame; a rod axially movable in saidcylinder; bell-crank levers mounted in the cylinder each having one legengaged with a bolt and the other leg engaged with the rod; linkconnections between thelook member and rodwhereby when the lock memberismoved the bolts will be simultaneously moved; and means operated bythe lock member whereby when the latter is depressed the individualdrums may be rotated on the cylinder.

17. In a check perforatingmachine as set v forth in claim 16, said meansfor individually rotating the drums comprising a rocker shaft parallelwith the cylinder; link connections for rocking the shaft by and withthe movement of the lock member; arcuate arms car ried by said shaft; aplurality of spindles can ried by said arms; each spindle having a diskthereon adapted when the arms are rocked to der ;',and hand knobs forrotating spindles.

In testimony that I claim the foregoing as my own I affix my signature.

JOHN H. DAVIS.

contact with its respective drum on said cylin-

